Ode to Mississippi...not another case of the blues

Before starting the second blog, I want to take a moment in order to describe how I listen to music.  As inferred in the first blog, I like to construct images or movie scenes when listening to music.  This stems from various factors such as the track title, the lyrics, or the melodic substance.  I believe music generates imagery via melodies and lyrics; much like how narratives generate imagery via words.  

Today’s blog covers, new, up and coming band from Oxford, MS, Gilded Creatures (CG).  Consisting of three guys, Matt Dukes on drums, Brad Davis on keys and bass, and Madison Ruthven as vocalist and guitarist, they are making their own impression on progressive alt/rock.  Influenced by bands such as: Modest Mouse, Mars Volta, Radiohead, and Arcade Fire to name several, CG infuses progressive riffs and grainy vocals, which conjures comparisons to Modest Mouse. 

CG’s unique sound exists somewhere in the dark nuance between Madison’s vocals being paired with Brad’s keys.  Listening to "Armistice," one will notice an angst-filled desperation drawing you in steadily, as the song builds up through the verse and then crests at chorus.

Furthermore, listening to CG is similar to observing a frantic bipolar case.  They seem nice and friendly, but then the beast surfaces and Dr. Jekyll becomes Mr. Hyde.  The intensity rises, peaks, and then subsides, allowing some recovery before the next seismic wave hits, like vertigo.  Moreover, their music moves through ups and downs, like a roller coaster.  However, this coaster is one Trent Reznor would be proud of by way of an eerie dark undertone streaming from Brad’s keys.  If a scary Celtic themed rollercoaster existed I would expect Armistice to be the song playing in the background.

Picture this, Modest Mouse’s guitar and vocal texture infused with Arcade Fire’s dramatic orchestral quality.  However, there is an element of obscure irony underneath, which is perplexing.  Gilded Creatures emits melody with suspenseful drama captivating you into a trance.  Therefore, I recommend giving them a listen and deciding for oneself.  Gilded Creatures have songs on Soundcloud and are in the process of recording their first EP.  A group with a ton of potential, I look forward to hearing more from them.